Starting at the back (left to right) Ethan Covington (BRC), Peter — Resident Skeleton and Unofficial BRC Mascot, Meagan Hamilton (MRC), Ethan Carter (MRC), Liyah Galbert (GCRC), and Mark Lavizzo (OCRC)

Xavier University of Louisiana’s Office of Academic Support has been awarded Level One Certification for its tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), marking a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing commitment to student success and academic excellence.

The certification recognizes the Office of Academic Support’s completion of the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) peer-review process, which evaluates tutoring programs against rigorous standards for tutor selection, training, supervision, and program evaluation.

CRLA has served as a global leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs for more than three decades. The organization includes nearly 1,300 members and more than 2,000 certified training programs worldwide, and its certification is widely recognized as a benchmark for excellence in tutor training and academic support services.

Achieving Level One certification signifies that Xavier’s Office of Academic Support has developed a structured and comprehensive tutor training program that meets CRLA’s nationally recognized standards. The certification process required extensive documentation and review to demonstrate that the program effectively prepares student tutors to support their peers through evidence-based learning strategies and best practices in academic coaching.

The Office of Academic Support plays a critical role in Xavier’s student success ecosystem, offering tutoring, academic coaching, and learning resources designed to help students strengthen study skills, improve course performance, and build confidence in their academic abilities. Peer tutors are trained to guide students through collaborative learning strategies while reinforcing Xavier’s culture of excellence and mutual support.

With this certification, Xavier joins a global network of institutions recognized by CRLA for implementing high-quality tutor training programs that enhance learning outcomes and support student achievement. The certification underscores Xavier University of Louisiana’s broader mission to cultivate academic excellence while equipping students with the tools and support they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.